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Peru declares mercury poison emergency due to gold mining

[LIMA] Peru declared an environmental emergency on Monday in 11 Amazon jungle districts where mercury pollution blamed on unregulated gold mining is poisoning people and fish.

Tests in the southeastern Madre de Dios region found "mercury pollution above the maximum permitted level, affecting river water, water species and local populations," said a report announcing the decision in the official government gazette.

Environmental authorities detected high levels of mercury in local people's bodies which "can cause serious, chronic and complex health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women," it said.

Mercury poisoning can affect vital functions such as the nerves, digestive system, lungs and kidneys, according to the World Health Organization.